PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to compare symptom severity and the impact of presence of depressive and/or anxiety symptoms among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).
METHODS
One hundred and fifteen patients diagnosed with HNC completed two questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Head and Neck Cancer (MDASI-HN).
RESULTS
Of the total sample, 55.6% reported depressive symptoms and 33% reported anxiety symptoms. Patients who reported either depressive or anxiety symptoms also had significantly more severe symptoms. The most severe symptom was dry mouth. Participants who were depressed reported that interference in the enjoyment of life due to symptoms was the most distressing whereas participants with anxiety reported symptom interference in work was of most concern. Of patients reporting moderate to severe symptoms, more than 60% reported depressive symptoms. Of patients reporting moderate to severe feelings of being distress and feeling sad, more than 70% reported anxiety symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Patients with HNC reporting moderate to severe symptoms also report depressive and/or anxiety symptoms. The results suggest the need to develop an integrated nursing intervention of both physical and emotional symptoms for patients with HNC.

Citations

• A Systematic Review on the Effects of Prophylactic Swallowing Exercise in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy
  Hyeongmin Byun
  The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing.2024; 27(1): 1.     CrossRef